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Chamber CONNECTION

Your Weekly Connection to The Chamber GET YOUR PHOTO FEATURED - PAGE 20

FEATURED PHOTO: NORTH OF TWP 724 - DAVID KAY

SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE NO.62 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Upcoming Events!

Upcoming Events! 09.11

Ribbon Cutting - Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle (FRAP)

09.15

Workshop Your Business - Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace

09.16

Ribbon Cutting - La Pradera Restaurante Inc

09.24

Business After 5 Mixer - Grande Prairie Police Commission

09.29

Ribbon Cutting - The Blue Building Project

business.grandeprairiechamber.com/event-calendar

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING FRI, SEPT 11 | 4:30PM

FRANCOPHONIE CANADIENNE PLURIELLE (FRAP) 11633 - 100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3Y4 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Ribbon Cutting - Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle (FRAP) Join the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle (FRAP)’s continued growth and expansion in Grande Prairie and the surrounding area. This special ribbon cutting marks an exciting milestone for FRAP as they strengthen their presence in the region and continue building connections within the Francophone community and the broader Grande Prairie area.

CONNECTING GLOBAL INVESTMENT WITH REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce recently joined Invest Alberta and Invest NorthWest in welcoming Marubeni Corporation to the Grande Prairie region for an investment-focused tour designed to showcase the strength, competitiveness and future potential of Northwest Alberta. Throughout the tour, Marubeni representatives connected directly with local businesses representing several of the region’s core economic sectors, as well as businesses that provide complementary, supporting and tertiary services to those industries. The primary goal was to ensure participants came away with a strong understanding of the competitive advantages our region offers today - and the opportunities that exist for future investment, partnerships and business growth. For the Chamber, these investment tours are about more than introducing investors to individual businesses. They provide an opportunity to communicate the broader story of our regional economy: a sophisticated and interconnected business community, strong relationships between industry and regional stakeholders, established expertise and infrastructure, and considerable untapped potential. The Grande Prairie region continues to experience positive economic and business momentum, supported by a diverse range of industries, entrepreneurial businesses and an extensive network of companies capable of supporting new development and investment. The Chamber brings an important business perspective to these conversations. Through our relationships across the region, we can help investors understand both the opportunities and the business environment required to turn those opportunities into successful partnerships. Working alongside Invest Alberta and Invest NorthWest, the Chamber continues to help create connections between local businesses and prospective investors, strengthen relationships, and position the Grande Prairie region as a competitive destination for future growth. When investors understand the strength of our businesses, our relationships and our regional capabilities, new opportunities can follow - for individual companies and for our economy as a whole.

Chamber Connection

Bringing Forestry and Government to the Table The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a forestry industry stakeholder roundtable with MP Terry Duguid, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources. The discussion brought regional forestry leaders together to share firsthand perspectives on the opportunities, pressures, and long-term conditions shaping one of Northwest Alberta’s most important economic sectors. Conversations focused on the realities facing industry today and the need to ensure regional priorities are understood as broader policy decisions are made. Creating opportunities for direct dialogue between business and government is an important part of the Chamber’s role as the voice of business. By bringing industry leaders and decision-makers together, the Chamber helps strengthen understanding of our regional economy and ensures local perspectives are represented in provincial and national conversations.

Chamber Connection

Got an Interesting Photo? Get Featured! Submit your best shot to max@gpchamber.com for a chance to be featured on the cover!

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance CHAMBER MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO CANADA'S LARGEST EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLAN TARGETED TO SMALL-TO-MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS. Operating since the early 1970s, Chambers Plan now provides coverage to over 30,000 firms like yours. Regardless of the size of your organization Chambers Plan can be customized to meet your needs, request a free quote today and let us show you how we can customize a plan for you. Established Your firm's rates will remain stable regardless of claims history. Additionally, Chambers Plan Group Health Insurance is noncancelable due to any claims experienced by your firm. Your company will never be singled out for a rate increase, ever. Local Your business is unique, so your business needs unique coverage. That is why a local Chambers Plan advisor administers your employee health benefits plan. A Chambers Plan advisor is a member of your community. Whether you want to add dental coverage, change or update, or simply ask a question, your advisor is there for you. Customizable Coverage can be tailored to suit your needs. Customize your plan selecting from a wide range of coverage – life, health, dental, disability, critical illness and much more! As well, Chambers Plan members have access to my-benefits® an online management tool. This tool allows you to administer your plan anywhere, anytime.

Local Agent - Cam Neil Neil & Associates 10715-102 Street Grande Prairie Website: https://neilandassociates. ca

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Chamber Connection

Alberta’s government is designating the Greenview Industrial Gateway as a Designated Industrial Zone.

Build your future. Right here. Northwestern Polytechnic's new Skilled Trades Training Centre is expanding apprenticeship training and building northern Alberta's workforce. . The opening of Northwestern Polytechnic’s Skilled Trades Training Centre in Grande Prairie marks an important milestone for the region, creating more opportunities for students, strengthening the local workforce, and supporting northern Alberta’s growing economy. Read More

Designated Industrial Zones provide companies with a clearer path to plan and advance major projects by reducing unnecessary duplication, streamlining regulatory processes and providing greater certainty for investors, while maintaining Alberta’s strong environmental standards. Working with the Municipal District of Greenview and project partners, Alberta’s government will finalize an implementation framework to coordinate regulatory processes, plan infrastructure and support environmental management. This work will help provide greater certainty for investors, communities and Indigenous partners. The designation positions the Greenview Industrial Gateway to become a major hub for industrial and technology investment, supporting new opportunities for businesses to invest, innovate and create jobs in Alberta. Read more

Investing in recovery for Grande Prairie New funding for recovery facilities in Grande Prairie will expand access to life-saving addiction support for Albertans in the region. . Alberta’s government is providing $3 million to Rising Above Ministries to expand addiction recovery capacity in Grande Prairie. The capital funding will support addiction and recovery housing infrastructure to address unmet needs in the community, strengthen the continuum of care, and help those experiencing addiction pursue recovery close to home. Read More

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

2025–2026 Report to the Community Small businesses play an essential role in Alberta’s economy and communities. Join Business Link Alberta for a virtual presentation of our 2025–2026 Report to the Community, where we’ll reflect on the past year, celebrate the people behind the numbers, and look ahead. During this 90-minute event, we’ll share highlights from across Alberta, including who we served, what entrepreneurs told us they need, how we worked with partners and communities across the province, and how our work is evolving to support Alberta’s small business community. Secure your Spot

Writing a Business Plan in the Age of AI A business plan is more than just a document; it’s your roadmap to success. Whether you’re starting or growing a business, a strong plan helps you stay focused, attract funding, and make smarter decisions. Join us for this hands-on webinar to learn what a business plan is, why it matters, and how to write one leveraging AI and Business Link free tools & resources Secure your Spot

Voices of Alberta Entrepreneurs with Michael Emery Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight line. Sometimes the experiences that seem unrelated along the way are the ones that ultimately shape how we work, what we value and where we go next. Join us for Voices of Alberta Entrepreneurs, featuring Michael Emery, founder of Unique Soapstone Experiences, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity and learning to embrace the unexpected. Register Now

Chamber

Read Our Members’ Stories

CONNECTION | MILESTONE EDITION

Milestones Worth Celebrating

DownTown Association

Years of Membership

30 Years - At the Heart of Grande Prairie

Years of Membership

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grande Prairie Airport

Years of Membership

Turning Generosity Into Legacy

Nine10 Incorporated Ltd. 20 Years of Digital Innovation

Northwestern Alberta Foundation

Years of Membership

A Place to Gather, Stay & Celebrate

Click here!

Missed an Issue? Catch up on previous editions featuring more long-standing Chamber members

Chamber CONNECTION | MILESTONE EDITION

GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Member Exclusive Deals Service Plus Grande Prairie Both hotels are conveniently located off the Highway 43 Bypass on the Alaska Highway. Great location for shopping, dining and entertainment. For business or pleasure, we are the place to stay. Use code: GPChamber24 for a discounted rate when booking Book today 1.888.875.4667

Best Western Plus West Edmonton Conveniently located off Highway 2, our West Western Plus West Edmonton hotel is just 3min from West Edmonton Mall and just minutes from local attraction. With comfortable and convenient amenities, our hotel is the perfect choice for business and leisure travellers alike. Use code: CHAMBER for 15% off all Grande Prairie Chamber Members

Kit Office Plus 10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande Prairie Showroom or Peace River Store 10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our Showroom in GP Custom plans for stationary, office supply and janitorial. They can look at our website for options. For up to 20 of their most used SKU’s, we setup an account for them and offer the best price possible on those 20 items then full price after that. Great for schools as well. Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroom custom plan must be an email to oksanam@kitofficeplus.com

Have a deal to share? Email max@gpchamber.com to get your exclusive offer featured!

Chamber Connection

CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT

Also found on Page 04

Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members Month : September

The Blue Building Project Bookwors Business Solutions Ltd Moon Wellness & Healing GP International Foods Don Moon Enterprises Stelex Solutions Sheperd + Co - Accounting Services Ltd

Check out our new Chamber Milestone Magazine for an in-depth look at the months milestone members and their stories!

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..” Being Yourself Joined: July 29, 2026 We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Shelyn Somani and Being Yourself to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow and serve our community.

Peace Country Marketing Joined: June 29, 2026 We’re excited to welcome Maggie Reid and Peace Country Marketing to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this business continue to grow and contribute to our regional community.

Member

JOB BOARD Keep it maximum 200 charcters Provide email or resume submission link Provide end date for job posting

Email us with any questions

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

MEMBER CAREERS FIND YOUR NEXT JOB | UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026

FEATURED EMPLOYERS

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D/C Operator Trainee Aquatera is recruiting a distribution and collection operator for our water distribution and wastewater collection department in Diamond Valley, AB. This job is for physically active people who get a great deal of satisfaction from doing the job right every time. Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

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Administrative Assistant

Aquatera is recruiting an administrative assistant as the primary point of contact for the Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection office, providing administrative and customer service support to the team in Grande Prairie, AB.

Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

Account Services Manager Aquatera is recruiting a Account Services Manager responsible for managing Customer Service, Billing, Collections, Bulk Water and General Accounts Receivables for Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Services within Aquatera’s service area. Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

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CT MANAGER - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/RY7W7RWX

CT TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5

SAFETY PROGRAM COORDINATOR & PUBLIC WORKS CLERK - MD OF SPIRIT RIVER

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Apply Link: Account Manager

https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/X98495VY

ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST - PEACE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC - BARR NONE MECHANICAL https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/63X6WWWR

MRI TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING

You will build a strong team, drive performance, and deliver an exceptional customer experience, supported by EBH’s proven model and technical expertise. Apply Link: Branch Manager

RECEPTIONIST - CONFIDENTIAL https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/63663W3R

Branch Manager

Account Manager Build strong customer relationships in the Grande Prairie region by identifying opportunities, supporting customer needs, and providing accurate, up-to-date product information.

Material Handler responsible for shipping, receiving, and moving products safely and efficiently while maintaining an organized and tidy warehouse and stock environment. Apply Link: Material Handler

Customer Service Manager The Customer Service Manager plays a critical role in driving customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and team performance at the branch level. Apply Link: Customer Service Manager

Customer Service, Counter Sales - Electrical

https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/8X9W499V

Primarily responsible for supporting customers at the counter, ensuring a positive in-person experience through accurate order entry, product support, and responsive service.

Teacher Development and Support Coordinator

Apply Link: Customer Service - Counter Sales

The University of Alberta’s Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) is expanding its team in Grande Prairie. t’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone seeking their next career chapter.

For more details, please refer to the posting: Teacher Development and Support Coordinator

Customer Service, Inside Sales - Electrical responsible for building positive relationships with customers and suppliers through generating accurate quotations, sales orders, and returns that align with organizational sales targets. Apply Link: Customer Service - Inside Sales

Assessment Administrator The University of Alberta’s Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) is expanding its team in Grande Prairie. This full-time position offers excellent benefits and is located at the Northwestern Polytechnic Health Education Centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone seeking their next career chapter. For more details, please refer to the Assessment Administrator Posting

Chamber Connection

Innovation funding announced for rural Alberta projects

Cold Lake funding supports workforce and economic growth

Four projects in rural and northern Alberta will receive $20 million through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund. The projects focus on areas including carbon capture, hydrogen development, energy infrastructure and land reclamation. According to the province, the initiatives are expected to support job creation, technology development and economic activity in communities across the province.

The federal government announced $6.6 million for two projects in the Cold Lake region, including the expansion of a First Nations-owned energy company and a new aircraft maintenance training facility at the Cold Lake Regional Airport. The projects will support Indigenous participation in resource development, expand aviation training capacity, and help address demand for skilled workers in the aerospace and defence sectors. The investments are expected to create 90 new jobs and train 30 highly qualified individuals.

Learn more

Build new partnerships at NABOC | September 15–17 ACC's next trade mission is heading to the NABOC Conference in Osoyoos, connecting Alberta businesses with Indigenous business leaders and decision-makers from across Canada. Participating businesses will have opportunities for targeted B2B meetings, facilitated introductions and networking focused on partnerships, procurement and market expansion. Join the NABOC Trade Mission Learn more about ACC trade missions

Learn more

Quantum investment strengthens Alberta's competitive edge in emerging technologies The Government of Canada announced a $20.3 million investment to launch the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) in Calgary. The initiative will support collaboration between industry, academia, and government while creating opportunities in quantum technologies, aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Learn more

For businesses seeking more insights and tools: EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports. Buy Local Alberta Toolkit - download the free made-in Alberta toolkit Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker – Track trade trends and disruptions. EMC Trade Relations Tracker – Collaborate on trade solutions for manufacturers. Understanding CUSMA compliance - New resources from Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

A Letter from Candace Laing to Canadian Business Leaders Canada-U.S. trade talks have reached an impasse, and we find ourselves in new and uncharted territory. "Canadian businesses have shown remarkable resilience under immense pressure, and they will not relent now," says Candace Laing. "This will get tougher, but we know Canada can navigate it, if we’re united." Our focus now turns to the response: protecting Canadian businesses, workers and families and ensuring support reaches those who need it most. As always, it’s leaders on the front lines that are champions in national crises. The Canadian Chamber and our Chamber Network are mobilizing across regions and sectors, and we’re ready to play our part. Read the Full Letter Read Our Statement

Our Reaction to New Government Business Relief Measures The federal government announced new business relief measures today in response to the collapse in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations. "Government is now moving at the speed of business to address the current trade negotiation collapse," says our President and CEO Candace Laing in a new statement. "If the government did not prioritize speed, some businesses would not still be there by the time support rolls out." These measures should give businesses some much-needed breathing room. But immediate relief is only part of the response. We also need to focus on the longer-term pivot: helping businesses diversify their trading partners, sell more within Canada and equip their workers for the modern economy. Read Our Statement

Chamber Connection

Regional Business Leaders Meet with Minister Olszewski The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), for a roundtable discussion with local business leaders. The meeting brought together several sectors of our regional economy, with discussions focused on tariffs, trade, process bottlenecks, agriculture, productivity, federal business supports, community resilience and the challenges and emerging opportunities influencing long-term economic growth. Minister Olszewski thanked the Chamber for bringing community-level concerns forward, emphasizing that direct engagement with local businesses helps PrairiesCan and the federal government better understand what is happening on the ground. Tariff impacts were an important part of the conversation. New relief measures delivered through regional development agencies, including PrairiesCan, may support affected businesses in different ways.

The discussion also explored Canada’s broader objective of moving from “reliance to resilience” by reducing dependence from a single market and building relationships with a wider range of trading partners. This includes Buy Canadian initiatives encouraging Canadian materials, workers and procurement, alongside Canada’s network of international trade agreements. The discussion highlighted the value of stronger coordination between Ottawa and Alberta and the progress that can be achieved when governments, industry and communities work together. Minister Olszewski’s Emergency Management and Community Resilience portfolio was particularly relevant to Northwest Alberta. Natural disasters can disrupt businesses, transportation, infrastructure and supply chains, making preparedness and business continuity essential components of economic resilience. For the Chamber, these conversations provide an important opportunity to share regional realities directly with decisionmakers and ensure federal policies and programs reflect the needs and opportunities of Northwest Alberta..

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Alberta Referendum: Business Information & Resources As Alberta’s referendum approaches, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) has developed a number of resources to help businesses better understand the potential economic considerations surrounding the conversation. ACC’s focus is on the business environment — including investment confidence, economic stability, competitiveness, workforce, market access, and long-term growth. For more detailed information, research, and key messages, we encourage members to review the following ACC resources: Alberta Referendum Resource Hub Federal–Provincial Relationship & Investor Stability – Key Messages Rural Member Key Messages – Federal–Provincial Relationship & Local Impacts The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce will continue to share relevant information and ensure the perspectives of our regional business community remain part of the broader conversation. Learn more through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce: abchamber.ca/alberta-referendum

Chamber Connection

Celebrating a Business Milestone? YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESERVE THE SPOTLIGHT, AND WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE! SEND YOUR UPDATES TO MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM AND GET FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING EDITION OF THE CHAMBER CONNECTION!

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill A growing coalition of residents, businesses, organizations, and municipalities across Alberta, the Fair Electricity Distribution Alliance (FEDA), is raising awareness about the unfair electricity distribution rates experienced by many Albertans. Right now, residents, businesses, and municipalities in northern, east-central and southern Alberta pay significantly higher electricity distribution costs than the rest of the province. Households pay an average of $118 a month, compared to about $34 in non-impacted service areas. For many businesses, distribution fees can be nearly three times as high as in other service areas. Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill. This is an issue of fairness; the disparity in electricity costs is putting impacted communities at a disadvantage. Read Full Article

Celebrate Alberta Day with free recreation and heritage experiences The City of Grande Prairie invites residents to swim, skate, play and explore local history with free community activities on Saturday, August 29 in celebration of Alberta Day. Residents can make a splash with free public swimming at Eastlink Centre and Aquatera Outdoor Pool, or take advantage of free access to the fitness centre, West Fraser Fieldhouse, walking and running track and squash courts at Eastlink Centre. Residents can also skate and meet members of the Grande Prairie Storm at Bonnetts Energy Centre. For those looking to explore local history, the Grande Prairie Museum and Reverend Forbes Homestead will also be open, with admission always free Learn More.

August Economic Development Newsletter

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Canada's Venture Capital Landscape 2026

BDC's report on the venture capital landscape in Canada provides an overview of how capital is shifting across stages, sectors and geographies, as well as what is driving investor behaviour in Canada, and much more.

Download the report to learn more

Chamber Connection

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EMAIL US : MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM

SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE NO.62